Greg James
Position: Crossing Guard
School: Ironwood Elementary School
School District: Washington Elementary School District
City, State: Phoenix, AZ
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Greg James was nominated by his principal, Ami Grant.
The Washington Elementary School District is committed to achieving excellence for every child, every day, every opportunity. Mr. James exemplifies his district’s vision, mission, and values by simply being himself. As one of the crossing guards, he ensures the safety of students who walk to and from school, as well as those in the community who drive or walk by at the start and end of each school day. Mr. James is quick with a smile, and the students love how he rides his scooter to his crossing post. This year, the students celebrated his birthday by singing to him and making him a birthday hat that he wore with pride.
Mr. James is naturally a tinkerer. He is always looking to help build and fix small items around campus. Recently, he graciously gave a student the opportunity to become more independent and mobile by giving her a new wheelchair that is more accommodating for her in the classroom and on campus.
"I approached Greg with a DIY idea to better accommodate a student in my class. My student’s current wheelchair was not a good fit for her. Greg instantly took to the idea, and he met with the student to get an idea as to size and what her needs were. He said he was going to have to do 'some thinking on this.' Greg went home and started to do some research. Greg went above and beyond anything I had imagined. He found a perfect wheelchair to meet my student’s needs, and then he bought it! The wheelchair is perfect for her in the classroom and around campus," said Grant.
Mr. James' generous and thoughtful gift of a new wheelchair has helped with the student’s independence and mobility. She is able to more easily reach toys and tables. She's also able to move to where she wants more easily, both in and outside of school. This student can now chase bubbles on her own or follow her friends on the bike path. Mr. Tom, the school's PT, has been helping the student maneuver and master her new wheels.
"Our hope is that after she builds up that strength, she will be zooming around all over the place," said Grant.
Although I have never met Mr. Greg, he would be the kind of person I would like to have in my school and working with my children/grandchildren. He truly went above and beyond to help this student to achieve independence and be a participating member of her school. Way to go, Mr. Greg!
I see Mr. Greg every single morning and afternoon while walking my kids to school. He makes a point to make a positive comment to everyone single kid and parent every day. He’s so kind and courteous and I enjoy chatting with him daily.
I have also felt the safest I’ve ever felt while crossing the street in the past 7 years my kids have attended this school because of his extreme attention and awareness for the children. I would love to see him win this award, he’s such a shining star in our daily routine.
Thank you Greg for sharing your smiles and thoughtfulness to the students and teachers at Ironwood Elementary school. You are one of the chosen ones.
Greg is hands down the kindest, most thoughtful, and generous person I have ever known. He genuinely cares about you as a person and goes out of his way to ensure you have a great day. You can always count on Greg to know just what to say to brighten your day or encourage you when you are down. He has the biggest heart and is the type of human you hope your kids and students grow up to be. He is supported by many and loved by all and is so deserving of this award.
Mr. Greg has a heart of gold. In my first years of teaching he was always looking out for me. He checked in on how things were going and asked if I needed anything. Nine years later he still does the same thing. You can always count on him to have a smile and how can I help, no matter what task he has to do. My students say Mr. Greg is funny and nice. I believe he deserves this award because he is a kind, generous, and dedicated man.
Mr Greg is a phenomenal person! He touches the lives of everyone he comes into contact with. He has a cheery disposition that puts you in a good mood no matter the day. He is thoughtful, kind and good spirited. He goes above and beyond to help people out. I am so happy to have him in my life and I'm sure everyone at our school feels the same.
Mr. Greg is the best! He is amazing to work with and truly cares about our school and everyone in it. He is always helpful and so kind. He has been a pleasure to work with over the years and I am proud to call him a friend and not just a Co-worker. He is definitely a Life Changer and so deserving of this award.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Greg for several years now and he is an outstanding human being. Mr. Greg has gone above and beyond his job title on numerous occasions. He not only is a hard worker, but he takes the time to form special relationships with our students. I previously taught special needs preschool for many years and Mr. Greg would often come in to help fix something in our room. The children were fascinated by this. Mr. Greg took the time to show them what he was doing, the tools he was using, and talk with them. He formed a meaningful relationship with one of my students who was often very shy, reserved, and had a speech and language delay. Mr. Greg was this child's hero. He would walk around with tools at recess pretending to be him and would jump up and down shouting his name anytime he caught a glimpse of him walking around the school.
I fondly remember one time we had tricycles with rotted tires due to the heat exposure over of the years. Replacing the tricycles was several hundred dollars. Mr. Greg took them home and with his own time and money purchased dolly wheels and configured them to our tricycles so we could use them again. These are only a few examples of how generous and selfless he is. I highly recommend Mr. Greg for this award. He is more than deserving.
Mr. Greg is an amazing person. Before I started at Ironwood, I would walk my son past Mr. Greg every morning and afternoon. He would always greet us with a smile. He is so kind and so welcoming.
In his quiet way, Mr. James impacts the school in an enormous way. He gives of his time with a caring demeanor for the community especially the students. He will stop to talk to each child and wish them a happy day or will help them with whatever they need. He is approachable to all people and consistently gives without expecting anything in return.. He is someone we can all look up to and hope to emulate on a daily basis
Greg is amazing! He is loved and appreciated by everyone at Ironwood. He has such a big heart and is always willing to help any way he can. He is so kind and generous and he is so deserving of this award.
Greg touches all the lives of the people he meets. Whether its through his love for movies, hilarious sense of humor, down to Earth nature, or his personable charisma; he makes such a positive impact.
Mr. Greg is such an amazing person. It is a privilege to work besides Mr. Greg because he just goes above and beyond for the students and the staff. Every time I would talk to him it’s nothing but positivity and encouragement words. Mr. Greg is truly there for the safety of the kids and always shares his ideas. It makes me very happy that we have an angel that is willing to do so much for our school and students because not a lot of people can experience that.
Greg is so kind and compassionate. He is always welcoming and brings a smile to my face. He remembers what’s going on in my life and asks about it regularly. He is so very loved and makes everyone else feel loved in return. Our school is upbeat and positive because of mr. Greg!
Greg is an amazing person and always works to make the lives of students and staff. He goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcome at Ironwood.
Mr. Greg is a true hero. He has gone out of his way to help others in so many ways and has done so for many years. Greg will be the best recipient of this reward.
I am proud to call Mr. Greg a friend. He always greets everyone with a smile…he is generous and kind hearted, friendly and fun. The students and staff love him at Ironwood. I have had the privilege of working with him for several years now and I have seen the difference he makes in all of our lives…his generosity and love for our students and staff. Mr. Greg proudly served our country and he continues to serve those around him, wherever there is a need. Yes, Mr. Greg is a life changer and fully deserving of this award.
Mr. Greg is amazing! He is such a genuine person and we are so happy to have him part of our school family. He is very deserving of this award!??
Mr. Greg is a huge part of our school community, not only does everyone know him, but somehow he seems to know EVERYONE else! He always positive and takes the time to greet each and every person he's passes. Ironwood would not be the same without him!
Greg is great!! Greg is friendly and always can make me smile!! He is so handy and is willing to help anyone at anytime. Totally deserves this award!!
Greg is so kind and compassionate. He is always welcoming and brings a smile to my face. He remembers what’s going on in my life and asks about it regularly. He is so very loved and makes everyone else feel loved in return. Our school is upbeat and positive because of mr. Greg!
Greg is a great person! He is everyone’s favorite because of his contagious positivity and humor.
Mr. Greg is amazing and so loved and cherished around our school. He is thoughtful, compassionate, and always has a smile on his face! We love you Mr. Greg! You so deserve this!
Greg deserves this and so much more. I have first hand seen the impact that Greg’s donation has done for this student and it’s tremendous to see. She is now able to play along side her peers and enjoy being a preschooler! This was all possible because of Greg! Thank you ??
Greg's generosity of buying a wheelchair not only provides the student with the ability to explore her classroom and the playground, it also helps to set her up for future mobility. Unfortunately her disability will require her to use a wheelchair throughout her life and by starting early she will develop the strength, endurance and confidence she will need to be functional in a wheelchair. He has given her a gift which will start her down the path to a lifetime of mobility.
Mr. Greg deserves this award because he is everything this world needs right now; kind, generous, selfless, compassionate, understanding, and just an overall good human being. He will go out of his way to help anyone, no questions asked. If anyone is deserving of this award, it is Greg!
Mr. Greg is one of the kindest people I know. If you ask him if he can do something he will go out of his way to get it done. He has brought me on more than one occasion a small little homemade gift for no reason at all. Always puts a smile on my face. Well deserved nomination.
I love talking and having wonderful engaging conversations with him. Truly a wonderful person.
Mr. Greg is truly an amazing man that has such a gracious heart. He interacts with my son daily to wish him a great day, which always puts a smile on our faces. After school we find ourselves in meaning conversations about our past time favorites. Mr. Greg is a life changer!
Greg is so deserving! We love him so much, he is a valued member of our school family. He is selfless and so generous. We are lucky to know and have him.
Mr. Greg is so deserving of this award! The light, joy, and dedication he brings to our school is amazing. Ironwood Elementary loves Mr. Greg!!
Greg has always been a kind, caring, thoughtful part of the Thunderbolt staff. At the drop of a hat, he helps all teachers, staff and students with whatever the need may be. He is well known for his musical talent, sense of humor and ability to make others happy. I definitely agree he would be a perfect choice for LifeChanger of the Year.
Mr. Greg is the absolute best! I am a teacher at Ironwood Elementary School and I have worked with Greg for several years now. He has the best attitude and the biggest heart. He is always willing to help when needed and goes out of his way to make sure that everyone (students & staff) have everything they need to be successful throughout the day. He is most definitely a hero to everyone who knows him.
Mr Greg’s the best. My students and I are fortunate to have our class located in a place where he gets to walk through frequently. He always has a friendly smile and waves for my kids. He spoke to me about this project when he first found the wheelchair. He was so excited to help this student in such a wonderful way! He goes above and beyond to make our school the very best place for both students and staff!!
